Natural Fibre Reinforced
Thermoplastics: Opportunities and
Challenges
Natural fibres could be embedded in
the polymeric matrices to reinforce and
achieve desired properties such as
impart strength, stiffness, low density,
sound damping and texture together
with eco-friendly characteristics in the
composites.
Preamble
Natural fibres being eco-friendly, lightweight,
strong and low-cost, have successfully
replaced glass and mineral fillers
in numerous engineering applications
ranging from aerospace to automobile,
packaging and construction.
Natural fibres could be embedded in the
polymeric matrices to reinforce and
achieve desired properties such as impart
strength, stiffness, low density,
sound damping and texture together
with eco-friendly characteristics in the composites.
The use of lignocellulosic natural
fibres for various commercial applications
had its origin way back in 1990’s
with the rise in plastic costs and environmental
aspects of using renewable materials. For centuries they have
been made into baskets, clothing,
sacks, ropes and rugs. Automotive
interiors using wood flour PP matrix
were produced commercially since the
mid 1970’s. However, no significant
enhancement in the mechanical properties
could be achieved. In all probability
attempts were made to study
the interaction between the
lignocellulosics and non-polar thermoplastics
matrices at the region of
interface modification. In the last decade,
natural-fibre composites of thermoplastics
and thermosets have been
embraced by European car makers for
door panels, seat backs, headliners,
package trays, dashboards and trunk
liners. Fibres such as kenaf, hemp,
flax, jute and sisal have made their
way into components of cars with the
perception that they are “green” or
eco-friendly. Furthermore, their ability
to provide high stiffness and sound
damping at lower cost and density
than glass fibres and mineral fillers
has proven to be an added advantage.
Fundamental knowledge of agromaterials
thermoplastic composites
and appropriate processing techniques
has made it possible to replace glass
fibre application extensively with
these eco-friendly materials. Technology
for using natural-fibre composites
in interior trim is being cultivated by
Tier I and II automotive suppliers,
typically in partnership with producers
of natural-fibre-based mat materials.
However, most of the developmental
work primarily focused on
polypropylene-based composites produced
by compression moulding or
thermoforming extruded sheet or commingled
mats of PP and plant fibres.
Door quarter panels made out of a
LoPreFin PP/PET/natural-fibre composite
developed by Findlay Industries
of Findlay, Ohio received a 4-star dynamic
side-impact rating. The panels
appear on the ’99 Saab 9S and are believed
to be the first natural-fibre composite
to meet this stringent specification.
LoPreFin has also featured in
the package trays and door-panel inserts
of GM’s 1999 Saturn LS and
Opel Vectra. It is also used for the
structural headliners of the ’99 Mack
Vision truck. The headliners are strong
enough to hang speakers, dome lights
and curtain rails that are not attached
to the roof steel.
....contd.
TO
READ FURTHER... SUBSCRIBE TO
YOUR COPY TODAY!!!
.
